In the fast-paced world of Call of Duty, every update brings a buzz of excitement, and the latest patches for Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone, released on February 21, 2024, are no exception.
Developers Sledgehammer Games and Treyarch have delved into a range of improvements, from addressing player concerns to fine-tuning gameplay mechanics. Let’s dive into the highlights of these updates and how they shape the future of these beloved titles.
The gaming community’s cry against cheaters has not gone unheard. In response to a surge in reports of cheating, the developers introduced updates through the Ricochet Anti-Cheat system. Temporary disabling of limited-time perks, such as Super Speed, aims to maintain fair play. Impressively, over 6,000 accounts were identified and banned for cheating or hacking between February 16 and 20, 2024, demonstrating a commitment to preserving the integrity of the Call of Duty experience.
Warzone enthusiasts have much to look forward to with the latest updates. The popular Advanced UAV ability now boasts an increased effective area, providing players with a comprehensive view of the entire map. Shock Sticks have become effective counters for equipment-based Field Upgrades, adding strategic depth to gameplay. Adjustments to Skill Rating (SR) gain aim to ensure a competitive balance by redefining who receives Kill & Assist Credit when eliminating opponents, preventing inflation of SR gains.
For fans of Modern Warfare 3, the focus of the February 21 patch was on bug fixes and tweaks across various game modes. The disarming bug in Team Gun Game has been addressed, ensuring a smoother gaming experience. Weapon enthusiasts will notice adjustments to the MTZ-556 Assault Rifle, Haymaker Shotgun, Longbow Sniper Rifle, and TYR Handgun, potentially altering the dynamics for players favoring these arms.
Full Patch Notes Highlights:
Ricochet Anti-Cheat efforts intensify with the temporary disabling of limited-time perks.
Over 6,000 cheaters and hackers identified and banned between February 16 and 20, 2024.
Warzone sees an expanded effective area for the Advanced UAV ability.
Shock Sticks gain prominence as effective counters for equipment-based Field Upgrades.
Skill Rating (SR) gain adjustments in Warzone for competitive integrity.
Modern Warfare 3 addresses bugs, including the disarming issue in Team Gun Game.
Weapon adjustments in Modern Warfare 3 impact the MTZ-556 Assault Rifle, Haymaker Shotgun, Longbow Sniper Rifle, and TYR Handgun.
Warzone
Gameplay Adjustments
Advanced UAV
The size of an Advanced UAV has been increased by 2.5 times
This ensures all of Urzikstan is within view for the player that calls it in
Shock Stick
Tactical Camera and Portable Radar Field Upgrades are now affected by enemy Shock Sticks
Weapon Adjustments
Assault Rifles
Decreased initial gun kick while firing
Decreased recoil while firing
Max Damage increased to 27, up from 25
Max Damage Range increased to 35.56 meters, up from 24.13
Near-Mid Damage increased to 24, up from 22
Near-Mid Damage Range increased to 48.26 meters, up from 35.56
Min Damage increased to 22, up from 20MTZ 556 (MWIII)
Shotguns
Haymaker
JAK Maglift Kit
Decreased aim down sight spread by 20%
Increased rate of fire to 500rpm, down from 357rpm
Decreased damage pellet count to 5, down from 8
Restricted the use of Ammunition Attachments
Sniper Rifles
Longbow
Pro-99 Long Barrel
Increased aim down sight time to 580ms, up from 550ms
JAK Tyrant 762 Kit
Restricted the use of Magazine, Ammunition, and Bolt Attachments
Handguns
TYR
JAK Beholder Rifle Kit
Decreased movement speed penalty to 8%, down from 10%
Decreased sprint speed penalty to 8%, down from 20%
Decreased bullet velocity benefit to 50%, down from 100%
Attachments
Canted Lasers
Canted aiming will no longer remove all pellet spread on Shotguns
Warzone Ranked Play: Resurgence
Gameplay Adjustments
Redeploy Drones
The total number of Redeploy Drones have been reduced from eight to five
Killstreaks
Players will now encounter less CUAVs in loot
Warzone Ranked Play: Resurgence Restrictions
Killstreaks
Mosquito Drones
SR (Skill Rating)
Kill & Assist SR
Only the following players will receive Kill & Assist credit when a player is eliminated:
The player who downed the eliminated player
Players who damaged the eliminated player shortly before they were downed
Players who didn’t damage the eliminated player shortly before they were downed will instead earn Squadmate Kill SR when their teammates down and eliminate an enemy
Squadmate Kill SR
Players will now earn Squadmate Kill SR regardless if they are dead or alive
UI/UX
Addressed an issue where players were incorrectly shown a penalty screen when disconnecting from matches
Players that disconnect from matches forfeit their SR Entry Fee and should not expect additional SR penalties
Gameplay
Bug Fixes
Field of View will no longer be set higher than intended upon map infiltration.
Progression
Bug Fixes
Corrected criteria for multiple Challenges to properly track progression.
JAK Ferocity Carbine Kit unlock challenge.
“Operator Kills without the enemy damaging you” camo challenge.
Maps
Underpass
Adjusted spawn points to prevent players from respawning outside of the playable area in Headquarters.
Modes
Control
During the transition period to the Final Round, the incorrect team will no longer be displayed as Defending.
Cutthroat
Resolved an issue preventing the flag capture point from spawning in overtime.
Team Gun Game
Addressed an issue causing players to become stuck without a Weapon.
War
Fixed an issue causing the player to lose control after using a Turret and Smoke Airdrop simultaneously.
Weapons & Attachments
Assault Rifles
MTZ-556
Decreased initial gun kick while firing
Decreased recoil while firing
Increased near-medium damage range from 34.3m to 36.8m (+7%)
Increased medium damage range from 41.9m to 47m (+12%)
Shotguns
Haymaker
JAK Maglift Kit
Decreased aim down sight spread by 20%
Increased rate of fire from 357rpm to 500rpm (+40%)
Decreased damage pellet count from 8 to 5 (-38%)
Restricted the use of Ammunition Attachments
Sniper Rifles
Longbow
Pro-99 Long Barrel
Increased aim down sight time from 550ms to 580ms (+5%)
JAK Tyrant 762 Kit
Restricted the use of Magazine, Ammunition, and Bolt Attachments
Handguns
TYR
JAK Beholder Rifle Kit
Decreased movement speed penalty from 10% to 8% (-2%)
Decreased sprint speed penalty from 20% to 8% (-12%)
Decreased bullet velocity benefit from 100% to 50% (-50%)
Attachments
Canted Lasers
Canted aiming will no longer remove all pellet spread on Shotguns
As the Call of Duty community embraces the latest updates for Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone, the landscape of gameplay undergoes significant shifts. From anti-cheat measures to refined gameplay mechanics, these patches pave the way for an immersive and fair gaming experience. As players adapt to these changes, the future of Call of Duty promises continued excitement and competitiveness in the ever-evolving world of virtual warfare.